Holding for Something Versus Waiting for Something

Have you ever felt uncomfortable or anxious while you were waiting for something to happen? Are there different ways to wait? Do you believe that waiting can be a positive experience?

Relevant Dictionary.com Definitions

Waiting: to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens; to postpone or delay something or to be postponed or delayed.

Holding: to keep in a specified state, relation; to point, aim, or direct.

Common phrases include waiting for a bus, waiting for a phone call, holding out for the best and holding someone in your thoughts.

I purposefully avoided the word hoping (versus holding). Dictionary.com defines hoping as a person or thing in which expectations are centered.

“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” Alexander Pope (1688-1744)

Holding for Something versus Waiting for Something

To me, while both waiting and holding are a form of inactivity, waiting involves the hope of future fulfillment of a specific expectation and holding is more supportive and in the present moment. Waiting feels very inactive until the (external) thing is near and then you jump on it as soon as it is near. Holding feels more peaceful and trusting. And when the something is near, there is more gratitude than grasping.

“No one can get inner peace by pouncing on it.” Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969)

Minimally, you can choose to wait and hold at the same time. For example, waiting for a phone call while holding (trusting, directing your thoughts, believing) that the call will come at the perfect time.

As shared in “Choose your Thoughts Well“, since thoughts and feelings reinforce each other, the more peaceful your thoughts, the more peaceful your feelings and vice versa. You are more likely to make better decisions if you are at peace. If you are not sure of what you are thinking, pay attention to how you are feeling. How do you feel when you are waiting for an expectation to be fulfilled? How do you feel when you are holding for the best outcome?

Holding and Intentions

Intentions provide a framework for you to set priorities, use your time wisely, and align yourself with the resources you need to manifest your goals. A strong, positive, and energized intention (while you wait and/or hold) is likely to repel that which is not in alignment with it. The opposite is also true. A strong, positive, and energized intention will attract the essence of what it is.

Intentions are similar to holding for the best outcome. For example, instead of waiting for the perfect time to have a conversation with someone you can hold (set an intention) that the perfect time will reveal itself and then be open and available when that time arrives.